Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Target: Alex Cross
- Author: James Patterson
- Narrator: Andre Blake
- Length: 09:30:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 19/11/2018
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Police Stories
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
The moment Andre Blake’s gravelly narration filled my headphones, I was transported back to a moonlit night in Mexico City, where the hum of distant traffic and the occasional police siren created a real-life soundtrack to a crime novel. That’s the magic of a great audiobook – it doesn’t just tell a story, it creates an atmosphere you can step into. James Patterson’s “Target: Alex Cross” delivers this immersive experience with the intensity of a high-speed chase through DC’s political underbelly.
As someone who’s spent years collecting stories from the back alleys of Buenos Aires to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, I appreciate narratives that capture a city’s pulse. Patterson’s Washington DC isn’t just a backdrop here – it’s a living, breathing character. Through Blake’s narration, you can practically smell the diesel fumes of the presidential motorcade, feel the tension in the FBI briefing rooms, and hear the echo of gunshots bouncing off marble monuments. It reminds me of sitting with that Oaxacan grandmother, how she could make you feel the desert heat or jungle humidity with just her voice – Blake achieves that same alchemy here.
The story unfolds like a high-stakes chess game played across the National Mall. When a sniper’s bullet disrupts a state funeral, Alex Cross finds himself navigating a labyrinth of political intrigue and professional peril – especially for his wife Bree, whose career hangs in the balance. Patterson masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives, from the calculated killers to the desperate investigators, creating a tapestry of tension that had me pacing my apartment like I was in the situation room myself.
Blake’s performance is nothing short of masterful. He doesn’t just read the characters – he embodies them. His Alex Cross carries the weight of a man balancing professional duty with personal stakes, while his rendition of the assassins sent chills down my spine – particularly a Russian operative whose accent drips with cold precision. It’s the kind of vocal transformation that reminds me of those magical nights in the Atacama, where a single voice could make you believe in a hundred different realities.
What makes this audiobook stand out in the crowded thriller genre is its sense of immediacy. The chapters are Patterson’s signature short bursts, perfect for audio consumption during a commute or workout. Yet beneath the breakneck pacing lies surprising depth – particularly in exploring how public servants navigate the collision of duty and family. There’s a raw authenticity to Cross’s struggle that elevates this above standard procedural fare.
The production quality is impeccable, with crisp audio that maintains clarity even during Blake’s most intense moments. Hachette has clearly invested in making this a premium listening experience. At just under four hours, it’s a compact but potent package – though I’ll admit, I found myself looping back to certain scenes just to savor Blake’s delivery.
If I had one critique, it’s that some secondary characters could use more development – but in fairness, this is a story that prioritizes momentum over introspection. Fans of David Baldacci’s “Absolute Power” or Brad Meltzer’s “The Inner Circle” will find familiar pleasures here, though Patterson’s distinctive blend of psychological insight and relentless action remains unmatched.
For travelers like me who carry stories wherever we go, “Target: Alex Cross” is the perfect companion for long flights or train rides. Just be warned – you might miss your stop, or find yourself walking extra laps around the neighborhood to hear ‘just one more chapter.’ The combination of Patterson’s razor-sharp plotting and Blake’s dynamic performance creates that rare audiobook that’s impossible to pause.
Until our next literary adventure, keep your passport and headphones ready.
Marcus Rivera
